R&B Singer KEM Helps Distribute Bottled Water In Flint
FLINT (WWJ) - Motown recording artist KEM has joined the ranks of celebrities stepping forward to help the residents of Flint.
R&B singer/songwriter producer, who grew up in Detroit, was on hand Tuesday helping the Salvation Army distribute filters, test kits and bottled water.
KEM told WWJ's Vickie Thomas that the situation in Flint has been weighting heavily on his mind.
"It's tragic, you know. It's tragic, and it caught me off-guard," said KEM, whose real name is Kim Owens. "And it's a reminder, for me, that you can't take things for granted. You know, I take for granted being able to turn on my faucet and get clean, drinkable water...So, there's a great need in this community that goes far beyond just drinking water, really."
The city's water is currently undrinkable after it became contaminated when Flint switched from the Detroit water system to the Flint River as a cost-cutting move. The corrosive water lacked adequate treatment and caused lead to leach from old pipes.
KEM is encouraging other Michiganders to pitch in what they can for Flint.
"Flint is my community, too, you know — not just Detroit...When I talk about being a resident of Michigan I'm talking about Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Flint, Detroit, Southfield," he said. "This is our home. What affects one of us affects all of us, so it was important for me to be here today."
Seattle rockers Pearl Jam have also started an extensive campaign that includes a $125,000 donation. Other celebrities helping out in various ways are Cher, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Mark Wahlberg, Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Jack White and Big Sean.
['Pure Michigan' Spoof Pokes Fun At Flint Water Crisis]
Meantime, a Flint official says the city's water utility could run out of money by year's end as more people skip paying bills amid the crisis with lead-tainted water. City Administrator Natasha Henderson told city council members at a meeting Monday that the public health emergency is driving down collections on water bills.
Henderson says conservative estimates indicate the water fund will be out of cash by December. On Monday, dozens of people protested in front of City Hall. Some say they shouldn't have to pay for water they can't drink.
To donate to the Salvation Army of Genessee County's efforts in Flint, text "WATER" to 9-1-9-9-9."
